Falcon Sokol

Yes, time passes, but some things never change... Once again, there are accusations, mockery, and wishes for enthusiasts to "go to hell."

The map may not be a masterpiece, of course, but in my opinion, such statements are absolutely undeserved.

Instead of simply pointing out the author's shortcomings or (ideally), suggesting how to do better, the local community seems to prefer simply pointing fingers and making comments like

"they should have their hands cut off" or "get out of here." What's wrong with people trying to hone their skills? Did someone pay for a map that didn't meet expectations, or what's the problem?

Of course, after playing a lot of popular maps that are made at a very high level, you want everything else to be up to that standard, but you shouldn't forget that authors like MasteR, RedheavenHero, and others have quite a bit of experience in mapmaking, which beginning enthusiasts don't have.

Comparing these maps to each other is like comparing a child's drawing to that of a famous artist – it's absurd.

Moreover, it's not even about gratitude, but simply about human decency and a fair assessment, thanks to which the author can at least understand where they went wrong and try to fix it.

The only effect of harsh comments is demotivation, and nothing more. Instead of the person continuing to do this, improving and gaining experience, they simply give up. As a result, there are fewer and fewer people making content for the game, and those who haven't yet managed to realize their potential simply won't even try, because too much is expected of them. And what will you, gentlemen, be left with? Will you keep playing the same scenarios over and over again?

Or do you think that the same 2-3 famous mapmakers will be making maps for you for the rest of your life?)

Anyway, I guess it's time to get used to this attitude towards other people's work.

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What I would like to say about the map itself, I will start with the pros:

1) I liked the visual design of the map in a night style. In my opinion, it's quite atmospheric and beautiful. At least, when playing at night, I didn't feel uncomfortable.

2) The map has scripts, simple ones, but still it's a big plus. Because many don't even try to figure out scripts, and this greatly impoverishes the storyline.

3) Some author's quirks, like dialogues of peasants at farms, at carts, etc. It seems like a small thing, but it still adds a certain immersion in what is happening.

4) There are quests and side quests, in a sufficient amount, although you shouldn't expect any special plot twists, but more on that later.

Now about the cons. Perhaps, I will not touch on the strategic and tactical part, but in everything else:

1) The landscape is made too linear, as if you are taken by the hand from the very beginning and led along a path, and just try to take a step to the side ))

2) Quite naive and somewhat theatrical dialogues. But this is subjective, I just don't like theatrical performances, and for me, such manifestations look very unconvincing.

3) The plot is also quite simple and straightforward, there are no twists, or anything that could cause excitement and empathy for the main character. But again, maybe it's just a matter of taste.

4) Instead of pop-up windows with dialogues from both sides, it would be better to make cutscenes. They are really missing, of course, this is a little more difficult than making a regular text box, but it immerses you in the plot.

When I took 2 steps at the start and a cutscene started, even if it wasn't long, but in combination with the night design, it was very beautiful and atmospheric. I already started looking forward to cutscenes in the further playthrough, but unfortunately, that's all there was).

5) There are some minor flaws in the text. For example, near the Greystone castle, when you run past the graves and skeletons and zombies attack you, the text is duplicated twice in one message. But this is nitpicking, in general, it's not significant.

In general, you can see the author's efforts, in my opinion, she managed to make the map unusual. I was pleased with the technical part in some aspects, and the map also has its own visual style, which distinguishes it from others, but there are also disadvantages, personally for me, it's the plot. I think there is potential for development in this direction. I can only wish good luck and creative success.